TIRANA, Sep. 11 – Albania’s President Bujar Nishani on Wednesday formally announced the new government Cabinet of Prime Minister Edi Rama of the Socialist-led leftist coalition that achieved a landslide victory in the June election.
Rama was decreed Tuesday when he also presented his team to Nishani.
Rama, 49, has presented a 20-member Cabinet with new names pledging to take the country closer to European Union membership, strengthen the rule of law, fight corruption and organized crime, and overcome a threatening financial crisis.
Albania became a NATO member in 2009 and has applied for EU candidate status. But so far that has been denied over criticism it has not done enough to fight corruption and push through democratic reforms.
The Cabinet decreed Wednesday should also be voted in the 140-member Parliament where Rama’s Socialist-led leftist coalition occupies 83 seats.
1. Edi Rama, Prime Minister
2. Niko Peleshi, Deputy Prime Minister
3. Ditmir Bushati, Foreign Affairs Minister
4. Mimi Kodheli, Defense Minister
5. Saimir Tahiri, Interior Minister
6. Klajda Gjosha, European Integration Minister
7. Shk쭱im Cani, Finance Minister
8. Edmond Haxhinasto, Transport and Infrastructure Minister
9. Eglantina Gjermeni, Urban Development and Tourism Minister
10. Arben Ahmetaj, Economic Development, Trade and Enterprise Minister
11. Lindita Nikolla, Education and Sport Minister
12. Nasip Na诬 Justice Minister
13. Mirela Kumbaro Furxhi, Culture Minister
14. Erion Veliaj, Social Welfare and Youth Minister
15. Damian Gjiknuri, Energy and Industry Minister
16. Edmond Panariti, Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administering Minister
17. Ilir Beqja, Health Minister
18. Lefter Koka, Environment Minister
19. Milena Harito, State Minister for Innovation and Public Administration
20. Bledi ȵ詬 State Minister for Local Issues
21. Ilirjan Celibashi, State Minister for Relations with Parliament
